As the nation prepares for a series of nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardship, a prominent human rights activist has called on the Chief of Army Staff to keep soldiers off the streets.
Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer and outspoken advocate, has written a letter to Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, urging him to withdraw military personnel from the Federal Capital Territory and other cities ahead of the planned demonstrations from August 1 to 10.
In his missive, Adeyanju argued that the task of providing security and protecting protesters lies solely with the Nigerian Police Force, not the armed forces. He pointed to past incidents, such as the 2020 #EndSARS movement and recent unrest in Kenya, where the deployment of soldiers has often led to an escalation of tensions and even deadly clashes.
“We do not want a repeat of soldiers killing protesters as was witnessed during EndSARS,” Adeyanju wrote, referring to the tragic events that unfolded two years ago.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, has insisted that the increased military presence is part of routine counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, rather than an attempt to intimidate demonstrators. However, Adeyanju remains unconvinced, calling on the army chief to keep troops confined to their barracks during the upcoming protests.
With tensions running high and the public’s frustration over the cost-of-living crisis palpable, Adeyanju’s plea underscores the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and respecting the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. As the nation braces for the impending protests, the role of security forces will be closely scrutinized by both the government and the people.
